JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 06/25/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 06/25/09 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) North Korea problem: 4) North Korea's latest nuclear test was observed by Iranian delegation (Sankei) 5) China will move in tandem with the U.S., Japan on enforcing UN resolution against DPRK nuclear test, but cautious still about ship searches (Nikkei) 6) Japan-China strategic dialogue at sub-cabinet level focuses on North Korea's nuclear program and how to restart the Six-Party Talks (Asahi) 7) Former U.S. envoy to peace on Korean Peninsula Pritchard in interview sees Six-Part Talks likely dead, cites need for U.S.-DPRK talks (Yomiuri) Defense and security affairs: 8) Conservative think-tank worried that a rising China could weaken the U.S.-Japan alliance (Sankei) 9) Lower House committee passes bill related to international ban on cluster munitions (Mainichi) 10) Interview with UNMAS director: Japan's ratification on cluster ban treaty sets "good precedent" (Mainichi) 11) Japan-South Korea EPA talks at working level aim for agreement to restart full-fledged negotiations by June 28 summit of two leaders (Nikkei) Political merry-go-round: 12) Prime Minister Aso wants to pass all key bills quickly, setting off LDP speculation that Diet dissolution will come after the July 12 Tokyo assembly election (Mainichi) 13) Idea floating in Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of an early cabinet and party executive shuffle in order to appeal to the public before the Lower House election (Nikkei) 14) Finance Minister Yosano, named in press report on political donation scandal, explains to the Diet there were no improprieties (Asahi) 15) Impact of budding Yosano money and politics scandal could be a heavy blow for beleaguered Prime Minister Aso (Tokyo Shimbun) 16) Opposition parties attack Yosano in connection with the brewing money and politics scandal (Tokyo Shimbun) 17) Stir created in the LDP over Koga's recruitment of popular Miyazaki governor to run in the upcoming Lower House election (Tokyo Shimbun) 18) DPJ in policy platform promised to shrink fiscal spending by 4 trillion yen (Asahi) 19) Japan's trade surplus in May dropped 12 PERCENT as exports slumped (Asahi) Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi & Yomiuri: Japan Post to invite outsider for chairmanship Mainichi, Sankei & Tokyo Shimbun: Japan Post submits business improvement plans TOKYO 00001427 002 OF 014 Nikkei: Uniqlo, Unicharm to expand overseas operations Akahata: JCP panel announces measures to support young people in Tokyo 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Memory of Battle of Okinawa: War memories should continue to be recorded (2) Nishikawa must operate Japan Post in way that people can accept Mainichi: (1) Fiscal policy guidelines allow natural increase in social security costs, ending reforms (2) Bid-rigging by Transport Ministry shows hopelessness of bureaucrats Yomiuri: (1) New archive law marks start of major change (2) In Ashikaga case, thoroughly examine records of investigation, trial Nikkei: (1) Shareholders' meetings to question ability to implement business structural reform (2) Japan Post Nishikawa to assume heavy responsibility Sankei: (1) Promptly carry out reform of civil service system to eliminate hotbeds for bid-rigging by bureaucrats (2) FTC order to Seven-Eleven Japan to allow discount sales: Throwing out food is wasteful Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Transport Ministry again engaged in bid-rigging practice, going against slogan of bidding reform (2) Enactment of new archive law is first step toward reforming Kasumigaseki Akahata: (1) Government should review mid-term target for greenhouse gas emissions and place restrictions on industrial circles 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, June 24 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 10:08 Met with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsumoto, Ambassador to Russia Kono at Kantei 11:31 Met Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura and deputies Matsumoto, Asano, Uruma 13:00 House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration 15:16 National convention of credit unions at Keidanren Hall, Otemachi 17:04 Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters 18:34 Campaign office of prospective candidate in Tokyo Metropolitan TOKYO 00001427 003 OF 014 Assembly (TMA) election in Minami-Karasuyama 19:11 Met with prospective TMA candidate at Tamagawa Medical Association Hall, Nakamachi 19:43 Campaign office of prospective TMA election candidate in Taishido 20:12 Dinner with Secretary General Hosoda, Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Oshima, New Komeito Secretary General Kitagawa, Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Urushibara, Policy Research Council Chairman Yamaguchi at Japanese restaurant "Unkai," ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo; Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura also present 21:51 Arrived at official quarters; met ex-PM ABE 4) Iranian delegation observed DPRK nuclear test; Iranian Revolutionary Guard present during ROK territorial water intrusion SANKEI (Page 1) (Full June 25, 2009 Takashi Arimoto, Washington It was learned on June 24 that a seven-member Iranian delegation was visiting North Korea when it conducted its nuclear test in late May. This was disclosed by an intelligence well-informed on the Korean Peninsula situation. Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers reportedly also observed North Korean patrol boats' intrusion into South Korean territorial waters in early June. An Iranian delegation had also visited the DPRK during the long-range missile launch in April. It can be said that these visits are an indication of growing military cooperation between North Korea and Iran. According to an intelligence source, the Iranian visitors consisted of officials of the Atomic Energy Agency and Revolutionary Guard. The Revolutionary Guard, which is the elite force of Iran, is believed to be deeply involved with the development of ballistic missiles. Colonel- class officers were in the delegation to the DPRK. The visit was at the invitation of the DPRK, and the Iranians stayed for around a week, observing the nuclear test on May 25. The Revolutionary Guard officers also visited the military demarcation line with the ROK and North Korean military facilities on the Sea of Japan coast, getting a tour of the DPRK military's preparations for emergencies. The navy of the Revolutionary Guard allegedly also observed North Korean patrol boats' crossing the Northern Limit Line, which is the military demarcation line, in the Yellow Sea to intrude into South Korean territorial waters on June 4. The above intelligence source suggested that the purpose of the intrusion "might have been to show the Iranians the ROK military's reaction." He pointed out that his reason for this belief is because five Revolutionary Guard speed boats approached a U.S. military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf in January 2008, and "the Iranian visitors are believed to have studied whether the method of small boats encroaching on enemy ships would apply to North Korea." This source also revealed that "the delegation met North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun and other senior DPRK government officials." The DPRK and Iran are in conflict with the U.S. and the TOKYO 00001427 004 OF 014 international community over their development of nuclear arms and ballistic missiles. It is believed that they exchanged views on negotiation methods and other matters. Comments from the Iranian Embassy in Japan: "We strongly deny reports about technical cooperation and exchange of delegations of experts between the Islamic Republic of Iran and North Korea in the area of nuclear technology. We also deny reports of cooperation between the two countries in the development of missiles and nuclear arms. Iran's energy policy based on nuclear activities is legitimate and is authorized under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Such activities are also conducted under the monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency." 5) China agrees with Japan, U.S. on implementing UNSC resolution on North Korea, cooperating with policy to apply certain measure of pressure NIKKEI (Page 6) (Slightly abridged) June 25, 2009 Ken Sato, Beijing The Chinese government held separate meetings with the Japanese and U.S. governments in Beijing on June 24 and agreed on implementing the UN Security Council (UNSC) sanction resolution against North Korea's second nuclear test. The PRC has thus demonstrated its position that North Korea's possession of nuclear arms is unacceptable and that it will apply a certain measure of pressure, although it also stressed the importance of engaging in dialogue. There is still a gap between China and Japan, the U.S., and the ROK on conducting cargo inspections of ships entering and leaving the DPRK, so it is not completely clear how far the "pressure" policy will be implemented. Japan and China held a vice ministerial level strategic dialogue. Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka headed the Japanese delegation, while Vice Minister Wang Guangya and other officials participated from the Chinese side. Both sides agreed that "North Korea's possession of nuclear arms is absolutely unacceptable." They confirmed the implementation of the UNSC resolution and agreed on working for a solution through the Six-Party Talks on the DPRK's nuclear issue. Japan appears to have asked the PRC to implement the sanctions without fail, in order to make the UNSC resolution effective. After the meeting, Yabunaka told reporters that, "The Japanese side said that both sides have great responsibility at this critical juncture, and we could sense that (China feels the same way) from their statements." In addition, the methodology for engaging in dialogue with the DPRK from now on was discussed. Japan asked: "Is the Six-Party Talks good enough? Is there not a need to also try new approaches?" conveying its belief that there is a need to consider a new response based on the Six-Party Talks. Wang reacted cautiously. He said: "We need to work on this carefully." Meanwhile, the U.S. and China held two days of vice ministerial level defense talks. While details of the discussions are unavailable, it is believed that the U.S. side asked for cooperation TOKYO 00001427 005 OF 014 in implementing the UNSC resolution, and China consented to a certain extent. Japan, the U.S., and China are in agreement on blocking the transfer of nuclear and missile-related materials and preventing a third nuclear test and further long-range missile launches by North Korea through the UNSC resolution. This is the reason why the PRC government has tightened import and export control with North Korea. However, the situation is more complex with regard to specific sanction measures. According to Reuters, Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army, stressed at a news conference after the U.S.-China talks the importance of resolving the problem through dialogue. This can be taken to mean that China will approach ship inspections, which the U.S. is keen on, cautiously. The June 24 issue of the PRC paper Huanqiu Shibao carried an analysis by air force colonel Dai Xu claiming that the reason why the U.S. is urging China to implement the sanctions is because "it wants to use the North Korean nuclear crisis to drive a wedge between China and North Korea." China is expected to steer its course shrewdly while maintaining its influence over the DPRK for the foreseeable future. 6) Japan-China dialogue: Path to resuming Six-Party Talks not in sight; Agree not to allow North's possession of nuclear weapons ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged) June 25, 2009 Makoto Igarashi, Beijing, Toru Higashioka Administrative Vice-Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka conducted a "Japan-China dialogue" with his Chinese counterpart Wang Guangya in Beijing on June 24. As a result, they confirmed the basic principle that the two countries would not allow the possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea and that they would implement a UN Security Council sanctions resolution. Although they also agreed to aim at a solution within the framework of the Six-Party Talks, they have yet to draw up a course to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table. At the outset of the meeting, Yabunaka said: "Japan and China are in a relationship to cooperate in addressing international matters. The issue of North Korea is at a critical phase in East Asia." Yabunaka thus urged China, which has strong influence over North Korea and serves as chair of the Six-Party Talks, to address the matter in a responsible manner. In applying greater pressure or searching for a dialogue, China always has held the key. A system that will not allow the North to backpedal on its nuclear abandonment pledge is necessary, according to a senior Foreign Ministry official. Yabunaka explained to Wang his stock argument that the Six-Party Talks needs a new approach. But no concrete steps are in sight. An idea is afoot in the United States and other countries to hold talks among the five countries excluding North Korea. After the talks, Yabunaka said to reporters, "For today, the idea was to basically place importance on the Six-Party Talks." A Foreign Ministry official said, "China might not TOKYO 00001427 006 OF 014 like the idea of driving the North to a tight corner in a five-to-one format." The Chinese side indicated that the resumption of the Six-Party Talks will require substantial efforts. Wand also reportedly expressed concern about the argument in Japan to possess capabilities to attack enemy bases. 7) U.S.-DPRK talks needed for a breakthrough: Jack Pritchard YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) June 25, 2009 The following is a recent interview covering North Korea with Jack Pritchard, who served as U.S. special envoy for Korean Peninsula peace: North Korea is now facing serious domestic problems, such as installing a regime to succeed Kim Jong Il, and that country therefore cannot make bold policy changes or concessions. For the time being, the United States and China and other countries will have to wait for North Korea to respond to the United Nations Security Council's resolution on sanctions. The six-party process is now already dead. North Korea has not shown interest in returning to the Six-Party Talks. We should now create a new framework involving North Korea and should make a drastic review of the themes. It would be better to discuss not only how to get rid of nuclear development that uses plutonium but should also discuss enrichment uranium programs, nonproliferation, and domestic economic reforms. In that process, the abduction issue should be separated. From an objective point of view, arguments over the abduction issue have made if further difficult to resolve the nuclear problem. I hope Japan will return to the time when Japan and North Korea addressed this problem on the occasion of the first summit of the two countries' leaders in 2002, and I want Japan to consider this point well. Of course, it is up to Japan to decide on this matter. When exploring a new framework, the United States and North Korea would have to hold bilateral talks. The Obama administration has advanced its North Korea policy as compared with when North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile in April. While leaving a point of contact for dialogue, the Obama administration has been realistically responding, with containment and punishment combined at the United Nations. This is contrasting with the Bush administration that only chose between dialogue and containment. It's a remarkable progress. The Obama administration would focus mostly on nonproliferation. (This interview was held by Keiko Iizuka, deputy chief of the Yomiuri Shimbun's Political Section and guest researcher at the Brookings Institution.) 8) How will China's rise affect the Japan-U.S. alliance? SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) June 25, 2009 The conservative private think tank Japan Institute for National Fundamentals (JINF) (president, journalist Yoshiko Sakurai) held a report meeting in Tokyo on the evening of June 24 on "The Rise of China and the Future of the Japan-U.S. Alliance" by its delegation TOKYO 00001427 007 OF 014 which visited Washington in April. JINF Vice President Tadae Takubo pointed out: "President Obama says China is 'neither an enemy nor an ally.' At present, the U.S. and China confront each other militarily, but are closely linked economically. If China ceases to be an enemy of the United States, the character of the Japan-U.S. alliance will either have to change or the alliance will become unnecessary." JINF chief research Yasushi Tomiyama warned that: "Japan is paying attention mostly to North Korea's missiles, but China's mid-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles targeting Japan are even more dangerous. The Chinese military has units developing computer viruses. In an emergency, it is poised to attack not only military facilities, but also private companies." 9) House panel OK's anticluster relevant bill MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) Eve., June 24, 2009 The House of Representatives Economy, Trade and Industry Committee met this morning to deliberate on a cluster bomb ban bill, which prohibits Japan from possessing and using cluster munitions. The committee approved the legislation. The Diet, in both of its lower and upper chambers, had ratified the cluster bomb ban treaty by June 10. The bill is a relevant legislative measure specifying the treaty's restrictions. This legislation prohibits Japan from manufacturing, storing, and using cluster munitions, and it also stipulates that the cluster munitions currently in the Self-Defense Forces' possession should be abolished within eight years' time after the treaty comes into effect. 10) U.N. official: Japan's ratification a "good precedent" MAINICHI (Page 1) (Abridged) Eve., June 24, 2009 Maxwell Kerley, 57, director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS),overseas U.N. activities for removing unexploded cluster munitions and landmines that have caused civilian casualties. Kerley, in a Mainichi Shimbun exclusive interview with him yesterday, emphasized the importance of creating an international framework to heighten each country's capability to remove unexploded bombs. In addition, Kerley highly appreciated Japan's early ratification of the Cluster Bomb Ban Treaty (Oslo Treaty),saying Japan showed a good precedent. He indicated that he would push for the signing and ratification of the treaty and make efforts to create an environment where cluster munitions cannot be used. "It's already impossible to use such bombs without being blamed severely in the international community (since the treaty is now in place)," Kerley noted. "The treaty is working well (before it comes into effect)," he added. Cluster munitions are "immoral weapons that injure innocent citizens" and the United Nations will take every possible opportunity to work on every country to join the treaty," he said. Meanwhile, the United States, China, Russia, and other countries that possess a large number of cluster bombs have yet to join the TOKYO 00001427 008 OF 014 treaty. Some sources are therefore raising questions about its effectiveness. In this regard, Kerley noted a challenge, saying: "It is necessary to prove (to these countries) that even in the case of alternative weapons that leave no unexploded bombs, there are no security concerns and similar effects are available." Kerley underscored the significance of international efforts to heighten each victimized country's capability to remove unexploded bombs with the United Nations extending a helping hand. 11) Japan-South Korea working-level EPA talks to be resumed NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) June 25, 2009 Shimao Ojima, Seoul Tokyo and Seoul have decided to hold a first working-level meeting by deputy director generals on July 1 in Tokyo with the aim of resuming talks to sign an economic partnership agreement (EPA). The talks have been suspended since November 2004. Prime Minister Taro Aso and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak are expected to agree to resume the talks at their summit on June 28. They will also likely decide to launch bilateral nuclear power agreement in July. Japan-South Korea EPA talks came to an impasse over the abolition of tariffs on agricultural and industrial products. A division director-level preparatory meeting for resuming the talks took place twice last year. Although both countries at the summit meeting in January agreed to speed up efforts to resume the EPA talks, they are having difficulty coordinating agenda items. As such, the leaders of both countries will work to find a breakthrough in the stalemate, by deciding to upgrade the level of preparatory meetings. The envisaged meeting will be joined by the deputy director general of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry from Japan and the deputy director general of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry FTA Bureau from South Korea. 12) View that Diet dissolution to come after Tokyo assembly election gaining influence in ruling camp MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) June 25, 2009 Prime Minister Taro Aso yesterday instructed Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda, New Komeito Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa and other senior ruling party members to enact all key bills on the Diet table during the current Diet session. Aso told them in Tokyo: "I want you to make utmost efforts to pass all remaining bills," including a bill to reform the Japanese public service system, deliberations on which will start in the House of Representatives today, and a special measures bill to authorize inspections of ships from and to North Korea. The senior ruling party members agreed to Aso's suggestion. There is a growing view in the ruling camp that the government may dissolve the Lower House after the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election on July 12 and hold a general election in late August or later. In the meeting yesterday, Aso renewed his resolve to formulate a set of budgetary request guidelines for the fiscal 2010 state budget in late June and to maintain a freehand concerning dissolution of the TOKYO 00001427 009 OF 014 Lower House. One participant said: "Diet dissolution on the 2nd (August) is now inconceivable. I think the prime minister will make a decision after the Tokyo assembly election." Given that enacting the civil service reform in the ongoing Diet session is viewed as difficult, Aso is expected to seek the best timing for Diet dissolution, while carefully watching moves by the Democratic Party of Japan. In reference to the Tokyo assembly election campaign, Aso said: "Our candidates are doing well." Participants confirmed the goal of securing a majority by the ruling parties. By lowering the line of victory or defeat from their initial goal of the Liberal Democratic Party remaining the dominant political force, they are trying to hold in check moves to oust Aso that are expected after the Tokyo assembly election. Speaking before reporters after the ruling camp's meeting yesterday, Hosoda indicated that the ship inspection legislation would not be enacted until July 12. Given this, some lawmakers anticipate the Lower House election would take place on August 2, at the earliest, but this possibility has decreased, and the view of the election on Aug. 30 or later is floating. In a meeting of the Lower House's Account Settlement administrative Management and Inspection Committee held yesterday prior to the meeting of senior ruling party members, Aso said: "I will make a decision at the appropriate time to dissolve the Lower House," indicating that his judgment on Diet dissolution will not be affected by deliberations on the bills. 13) Idea of shuffling cabinet and LDP executive lineup before Lower House election floated NIKKEI (Excerpts) June 25, 2009 An idea of shuffling the cabinet and the executives of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) between late June and early July was floated yesterday in the ruling parties. The aim is to regain party strength by appointing persons that are appealing to the public before going into the next House of Representatives election. This information was revealed by several senior ruling camp members. The focus of a change in the LDP executives was on the replacement of Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda, Policy Research Council Chairman Kosuke Hori, and General Affairs Council Chairman Takashi Sasagawa. There is speculation that the LDP will appoint a person who can carry out policy debate against Katsuya Okada, secretary general of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),as secretary general. Another aim is to boost the morale of LDP lawmakers who have become restless. The idea of shuffling the cabinet is that the doubling up of more than two cabinet posts by Kaoru Yosano and Tsutomu Sato should be ended and new leaders should be appointed. There is also speculation that the LDP would ask Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru to join the new cabinet. Following the drop in the support rate for the cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso due to the replacement of Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kunio Hatoyama, there was strong concern in the LDP that the party wouldn't be able to campaign the general TOKYO 00001427 010 OF 014 election as is." There was a growing move to dump Aso. Former Prime Minister SHINZO ABE and LDP Election Strategy Council Deputy Chairman Yoshihide Suga repeatedly advised Aso to shuffle his cabinet. 14) Yosano says at Diet that he was not aware of funneled donations ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged slightly) June 25, 2009 The Mainichi Shimbun's report that Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano had received donations from a futures trader via a political organization was taken up at yesterday's meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Audit an Oversight of Administration. Before the committee, Yosano explained," I was not aware how (the political organization) raised funds." Prime Minister Taro Aso indicated to the press corps last night that Yosano has fulfilled his accountability. Yosano emphatically said, "There was no petition from the industry regarding legislation." The Prime Minister, too, argued: "(Former) Democratic Party of Japan President Ozawa should fulfill his accountability first on matters, including a 'voice from heaven' pointed out in a trial over a Nishimatsu Construction Co. donation case." Yosano later held a press conference at the Finance Ministry in which he indicated that he might return the donations, saying, "I would like to make an appropriate decision once (the legal aspect) becomes clear." Asked whether he would reinvestigate the case, Yosano said: "There there was no room to doubt the good intentions behind (the donations). It is presumptuous to ask how the money was raised, and I have no plan to ask about it." Depending on how things turn out, the issue could rock the administration. A Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) executive said, "It's not really a big issue," apparently in an attempt to quell the storm. Meanwhile, the New Komeito fears the repercussions of the matter, with one saying, "The next general election is just around the corner, so this is bad. We cannot sink with this scandal." DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama commented: "It's important to offer a clear explanation to the public after (Mr. Yosano) thoroughly investigates the case himself." Upper House DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Susumu Yanase revealed in a press meeting a plan to seek intensive deliberations at the Upper House Budget Committee. 15) DPJ launch attack Finance Minister Yosano over issue of "political and money" TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) June 25, 2009 The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and other opposition parties yesterday decided to thoroughly pursue at the Diet the allegation that Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano had received illegal political donations. The DPJ has been on the defense due to a scandal in which Deputy President Ichiro Ozawa's secretary was arrested for taking allegedly illegal political donations from Nishimatsu Construction Co. The largest opposition party, however, intends to launch a counterattack based on the issue of "politics TOKYO 00001427 011 OF 014 and money." DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama told reporters at party headquarters: "It is a very serious matter. While serving as cabinet minister, he made that Diet replay and received the money. I wonder about his remark that there was nothing wrong with a relationship that has lasted a long time." Hatoyama also pointed out: "I don't think Mr. Yosano has fulfilled his accountability regarding the allegation. Since the matter occurred while he was serving in the minister's post, it is important to shed light on the issue." The Diet affairs chiefs of the DPJ, the Japanese Communist Party, and the Social Democratic Party in the House of Councillors discussed the matter in the Diet building and agreed to call on the ruling parties for holding intensive deliberations at the Upper House Budget Committee. However, there is concern that if the opposition pursues this problem, the Nishimatsu scandal will be rekindled. A senior DPJ member said: "There will be no new story about Mr. Ozawa. Since Mr. Yosano allegedly received illegal donations while he was serving as minister, it is a serious matter involving the administrative authority." 16) Yosano's donation scandal directly hits Prime Minister Aso, upsetting his scenario to pursue DPJ over Nishimatsu TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) June 25, 2009 Kei Sato As if to add insult to injury for embattled Prime Minister Taro Aso who is already suffering plummeting support ratings, allegations have surfaced that Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano, the number two man in the Aso administration, had received donations from a company via his political organization. Although Aso does not intend to take the matter seriously, his scenario to turn the tables by pursuing the major opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) over a Nishimatsu Construction Co. donation scandal is likely to be pressed for a revision. Before the House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration, which was also attended by the Prime Minister, Yosano denied the allegations yesterday. The Prime Minister, too, indicated to the press corps at the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) that Yosano has fulfilled his accountability, saying, "(Mr. Yosano) has offered a thorough explanation." Yosano, who concurrently serves as finance minister, financial services minister, and economic and fiscal policy minister, has been playing a leading role in producing economic measures - the Prime Minister's top priority - and discussing a consumption tax hike. After the resignation of Kunio Hatoyama as internal affairs and communications minister, Yosano has been in charge both in title and in reality of all domestic political affairs as the number two cabinet minister. The Prime Minister has to defend him at all TOKYO 00001427 012 OF 014 costs. At present, many government and ruling party members hold an optimistic view, with one saying, "This will not escalate into the question of Mr. Yosano's resignation." Nevertheless, the outbreak of the question of politics and money under the nose of Aso is likely to deal a serious blow to his administration. When the Prime Minister discussed how to respond to the matter with Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura and others in the Diet building, he stressed the difference with the Nishimatsu case in which bid-rigging by the office of DPJ Deputy President Ichiro Ozawa is suspected. Aso emphatically said: "This is different from the Nishimatsu scandal. This must not be treated in the same way as Nishimatsu." 17) Higashikokubaru fuss: LDP's Koga under criticism for exposing strained circumstance TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) June 25, 2009 The request by Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Election Strategy Council Chairman Makoto Koga to Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru to run in the next House of Representatives election on the LDP ticket created a stir in the LDP yesterday. In a general meeting of the LDP House of Councillors members, Kazuya Maruyama severely criticized Koga, noting: "The party's popularity will not be boosted even if he tries to draw the public's attention. I would not mind if he resigns (as the election council chair)." The criticism of Koga stems from the fact that his meeting with Higashikokubaru exposed the LDP's distress. Maruyama then called on Koga at the LDP's headquarters and told him: "What you did has had a negative effect on the party." Meanwhile, LDP Diet Affair Committee Chairman Tadamori expressed his annoyance with Higashikokubaru, who had asked for the LDP presidential post as a condition for accepting Koga's offer. He said: "What he has to do first is to become a Diet member and make efforts to reach that goal." According to an LDP source, an LDP lawmaker consulted by Higashikokubaru, who has been enthusiastic about taking part in national politics, arranged the meeting between Koga and the popular Miyazaki governor. LDP Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda pointed out that Koga himself had made a decision on the meeting with Higashikokubaru. He said: "I think (Higashikokubaru) was making a joke" about the LDP presidency as a condition for his candidacy for the next general election "I think he tried to say that he had no intention to run in the election in such a way." Higashikokubaru told reporters in the Miyazaki prefectural government office yesterday: "It is not that I will succeed LDP President Taro Aso. It means that I would run in the Lower House election as a LDP presidential candidate." He added: "I'm very serious. I'm not fooling around." He expressed his willingness to run in the general election. TOKYO 00001427 013 OF 014 18) DPJ reduces funding resources by 4 trillion yen ASAHI (Page 1) (Abridged slightly) June 25, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on June 24 firmed up the outline of a fiscal resources roadmap, which sets procedures for implementing policies and endorses funding resources. The roadmap will serve as the core of the party's manifesto for the upcoming Lower House election. Funding resources to finance showcase pledges will be reduced to between 16 trillion yen and 17 trillion yen, down about 4 trillion yen from the original plan drafted last fall. The party had originally planned to unify pension systems four years after taking the reins of government. However, the roadmap drafted this time notes that such a policy will be implemented six years after it takes power. A proposal for immediately scrapping the provisional gas tax rate has been put on the backburner. A plan to reduce the number of municipalities to 300 is also likely to be deleted. The DPJ's fiscal resources argument has been the target of the criticism of the ruling parties. It wants to avoid criticism by reducing funding resources through a revision to the priority order of policy proposals. By doing so, the party has taken into account the aspect that the Aso cabinet tapped so-called hidden funds, which the DPJ had been relying on as part of funding resources, in compiling the large budget. The party plans to introduce a monthly child allowance of 26,000 yen to be implemented in the first year after it takes power. It has considered limiting the income of households eligible for the benefits, by reducing the amount paid to high-income households. Toll-free highways are also likely to be introduced in some areas in the initial year. The roadmap mentions that as funding resources, approximately 5 trillion yen will be secured in the initial year, about 10 trillion yen in the second and third years respectively, and 16 trillion yen to 17 trillion yen in the fourth year. Approximately 9.1 trillion yen will be secured through the recombination of budgets, the introduction of a lump-sum subsidy system for local governments, and cuts in wasteful spending. As public pledges, the party will put up five pillars: (1) abolishing amakudari (golden parachute) practices and rooting out wasteful spending; (2) assistance for education, including child benefits and free high school education; (3) pensions and medical services; (4) recognizing the sovereignty of local government; and (5) measures to curb global warming. 19) Trade surplus in May dips 12 PERCENT TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) Evening, June 24, 2009 Preliminary trade statistics (customs clearance basis) for May, released on June 24 by the Finance Ministry, found that trade surplus determined by deducting imports from exports, marked 299.8 billion yen, down 12.1 PERCENT from the same month year before. The balance in trade and services came to a surplus for four consecutive month, substantively exceeding the previous month's 67.7 billion TOKYO 00001427 014 OF 014 yen. The balance in trade and services achieved a surplus mainly due to a decline in imports as a result of the settling down of crude oil and food prices, which had risen sharply. The rate of the decline in exports expanded for the first time in three months, albeit slightly, due to sluggish exports of steel. Signs of the recovery of foreign demand coming to a standstill were seen. The total value of exports dipped 40.9 PERCENT to 4.0209 trillion yen. Exports of autos, a mainstay export item, dropped 60.9 PERCENT , which is smaller than the fall seen in the previous month. However, exports of steel declined to 49.5 PERCENT , the largest-ever fall since 1980, when statistics that can be used for comparison became available. Exports of home electronics and products for passenger cars were sluggish, probably reflecting a fall in the prices of iron ore. By region, the rate of a decline in U.S.-bound exports contracted to 45.4. Exports to Asia, including China, and the Middle East expanded. The total value of imports came to 3.7211 trillion yen, down 42.4 PERCENT . Imports of crude oil fell 63.1 PERCENT due in part to the appreciation of the yen. Imports of passenger cars from the EU and grain from the U.S. also dipped. ZUMWALT